NCAA Basketball: 5 breakout teams to watch in 2018-19
By Brian Rauf
5. St. John’s Red Storm
The Johnnies made some noise last season when they knocked off both Duke and Villanova in the span of the week, but those were only highlights in what turned out to be another disappointing season for the Red Storm. Head coach Chris Mullin now goes into his fourth season at his alma mater on the hot seat as he has yet to post a winning record.
But this year St. John’s is going to do more than just have a winning record – they’re going to make the NCAA Tournament.
Yes, they did lose several key players. Marcus LoVett opted for a career overseas after getting hurt and elite rim protector Tariq Owens transferred – but there is still plenty of talent on this team starting with Big East Preseason Player of the Year favorite Shamorie Ponds.
The 6-1, 175-pounder turned heads during his sophomore campaign, averaging 21.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Everything ran through him and he proved time and time again (especially against Duke and Villanova) that he knew what to do with the ball.
Even Villanova head coach Jay Wright believes in Ponds, as he told the College Hoops Today Podcast with Jon Rothstein that he believes Brooklyn native is the best player in the conference.
"“He would be my pick for Preseason Player of the Year… He definitely would’ve gotten a lot of hype if you’re on a team and you’re winning. That always helps. It makes it different as far as how you’re perceived. By NBA guys, too. I think he definitely would’ve gotten more exposure.”"
Ponds is going to be the heartbeat of this team once again but he’s (finally) going to have some teammates who can take pressure off of him.
Marvin Clark II returns after averaging nearly 13 points per game in his first season with the program, and a pair of incoming transfers (Sedee Keita from South Carolina and Mustapha Heron from Auburn) have significantly added to the talent and depth on this roster.
Keita will serve as the defensive rim protector while Heron, who led Auburn in scoring last year, is the best running mate Ponds has ever had. Both players have the capability to score 30 points any given night.
St. John’s is deep, talented, and no longer just a one-man band. Plus, they’ll have a chance to rack up wins in a very even Big East (being kind here). With Ponds leading the way, they’re going to reach the Big Dance for the first time since 2015.